The AP Puzzles Over the Economy

Everyone knows about the liberal bias of the broadcast networks and the daily newspapers, but in my opinion, the Associated Press is probably the most pervasive source of press bias. Here is just one example out of thousands, an article on recent good news in the manufacturing sector by AP reporter Eileen Alt Powell. This is the first sentence of Powell’s article, with emphasis added:

In the first sign that the economy is coming out of its recent stall, the manufacturing sector expanded at a respectable rate in July on strong orders and higher production rates.

If you think that Ms. Powell is a bit behind the times, you’re right. The very next sentence says:

The Institute for Supply Management said Monday that its manufacturing index registered 62.0 last month, up from 61.1 in June. It was the 14th consecutive monthly increase and in line with analysts’ forecasts.

So, let’s see…”first sign” of recovery, but 14th consecutive monthly increase in manufacturing index…Hmmm.
If you read to the end of the article, you find:

[Norbert] Ore said that the overall index reading has been above 60 for nine consecutive months.
“This is the longest period of growth above 60 percent since the 12-month period of July 1972 through June 1973,” Ore said. The index peaked at 72.1 in January 1973, he added.

I suppose it’s possible that the AP could lead a story by saying something like, “Manufacturing growth best since 1973.” But don’t hold your breath. In the meantime, this kind of self-contradictory drivel is picked up and printed in hundreds, if not thousands, of newspapers.